My First Edcamp

The GISD Ready 1:1 Coaches
From left to right: Jason Mood (SGHS), Anne Kamper (NGHS), Tyra Clayton (SHS), Mason (NFHS), Martine Brown (RHS), Crag Klement (GHS), Melissa Torrence (LCHS)

This past Saturyday (March 4, 2017) I took part in my first EdCamp ever. Not only was it my first experience as a participant but as an organizer as well. I have to say that it was one of, if not the best PD experiences of my career.

Last semester, Mason, the Ready 1:1 Coach from Naaman, came to the rest of the 1:1 coaches with the idea of hosting Garland's first EdCamp. We all thought the idea was cool so we decided to go for it. Creating a logo, getting sponsors, procuring swag to give away to teachers, and getting the message out to our teachers were our main tasks. 

Melissa and I putting the schedule together
(and acting like we weren't stressed out!)

The morning of the event, Melissa and I were put in charge of creating the sessions for the day. All in all, we had to create 28 based on participant feedback on what they wanted to learn about. Neither of us was quite sure how the process went or what to expect. 

Our finished session board 

When 8 am rolled around teachers started showing up but suggestions did not. Luckily, after an announcement, the suggestions started pouring in and the sessions fell into place. Things went by so quickly and an hour flew by in the blink of an eye. Unfortunately, we didn't get every session filled but we had 26/28. That's still an A. I can only imagine that putting the schedule together felt like an NFL General Manager on draft day.

Me facilitating a session on using tech for STAAR review.

During the first round of sessions, I volunteer to facilitate a session on using tech for STAAR review. The room was packed! Luckily the teachers in the session were involved and willing to share. We got some really great review ideas and a first-year teacher walked away with some really great ideas of what he could do this year. Here is a link to the notes from the session.
Several months of planning and a lot of work (especially by Mason) made this event happen. Thank you to all of our sponsors, the amazing teachers that showed up, Naaman Forest High School for hosting, and especially to my fellow 1:1 coaches. You guys make this job fun.